Cambridge B1 Reading Exercise 1: Reading Part 1

Cambridge B1 Preliminary

Reading Part 1 · Multiple choice

Consejos clave para superar el Reading Part 1

La primera parte del examen B1 Preliminary (PET) Reading pone a prueba tu capacidad para entender mensajes cortos de la vida cotidiana (carteles, notas, correos electrónicos, avisos y etiquetas). Para conseguir la máxima nota, ten en cuenta los siguientes tips:

• Identifica la función del texto: Pregúntate siempre quién escribe el mensaje, a quién va dirigido y cuál es su propósito principal (advertir, invitar, informar o dar una instrucción).
• Cuidado con los distractores: Las opciones incorrectas (A, B o C) a menudo utilizan palabras exactas que aparecen en el texto para confundirte, pero el sentido global de esa opción no se corresponde con lo que dice el mensaje. Lee con atención.
• Presta atención a los detalles y excepciones: Fíjate muy bien en palabras clave o limitaciones temporales (como "until further notice", "within five days" o "only"), ya que suelen ser la clave para descartar o elegir la respuesta correcta.

Instructions: Read the seven short texts/notices (1–7). For each question choose the correct answer A, B or C. There is only one correct answer for each question.

1. What does Karen ask Steve to do?

A) Make sure there are two tickets available for the film. B) Pick up the tickets when he finishes work. C) Decide which film they should see that evening.

Answer: B. Karen has already reserved the tickets, so she wants Steve to collect them on his way home from work.
Why others are incorrect: A is wrong because the tickets are already booked, not just checked for availability. C is wrong because the choice of the film has already been made.

2. What does the parking notice mean?

A) The spaces are intended for people who use the business. B) People working in the surrounding area may park there. C) Visitors can park there provided they stay for a short time.

Answer: A. “Customers only” means that the parking area is for customers of the business, not for other visitors or nearby workers.
Why others are incorrect: B is incorrect because local workers are explicitly excluded if they are not customers. C is incorrect because duration of stay doesn't bypass the requirement of being a customer.

3. What are people being asked not to do?

A) Look after the grass. B) Walk across the grass. C) Carry out work on the grass.

Answer: B. “Keep off the grass” means that people should not walk or stand on the grass.
Why others are incorrect: A is incorrect as looking after it is positive maintenance, whereas the notice prohibits access. C is incorrect because maintenance work is not restricted for general citizens here.

4. What should students understand about the café?

A) It will not be available for an unspecified period. B) It will reopen as soon as the café staff finish work today. C) It will continue operating in a different building during the work.

Answer: A. The café is closed because of building work and will remain closed “until further notice”, so no reopening date is given.
Why others are incorrect: B is wrong because it specifies "until further notice", not just today's shift. C is incorrect as there is no mention of moving operations to another building.

5. What is the correct way to store the product once it has been opened?

A) Refrigerate it in the coldest part and use it within five days. B) Keep it refrigerated, but there is no stated time limit for using it. C) Use it within five days, although it does not need to be kept in the refrigerator.

Answer: A. The notice gives two instructions after opening: keep the product in the coldest part of the refrigerator and use it within five days.
Why others are incorrect: B is wrong because a 5-day time limit is explicitly stated. C is wrong because refrigeration is mandatory according to the text.

6. How can customers pay?

A) By cash or card, but not by cheque. B) By cheque or card, but cash is not accepted. C) By cash, cheque or any major credit card.

Answer: C. The notice states that cash, cheques and all major credit cards are accepted.
Why others are incorrect: A and B are incorrect because they both falsely exclude one of the three accepted payment methods listed in the notice.

7. What is the reason David gives for not being able to help on Saturday?

A) He has another business to do on Saturday. B) He has already made other arrangements with Maria. C) He is unable to deal with the laptop until a later date.

Answer: A. David says he has another commitment he has to attend, so he cannot fix Maria’s laptop on Saturday.
Why others are incorrect: B is wrong because the other arrangement is a conflicting personal commitment, not an arrangement made with Maria for that time. C is incorrect as he declines specifically for Saturday due to the clash, not indefinitely.

Go to Part 2